IIHF issues second suspension of the World Juniors
Today the IIHF Disciplinary Panel announced that they had issued a one-game suspension to Team Canada forward Justin Sourdif, for an Illegal Check to the Head or Neck.
The hit in question occured with just over 5 minutes left in the 3rd period of Canada's game against Czechia. The hit was delivered to the head of Czechia defender Jiri Tchacek after Tchacek had already moved the puck.
The IIHF issued this reasoning behind the suspension:
The Disciplinary Panel determined that because Sourdif directed his left shoulder into the head of Tichacek when Tichacek was unable to anticipate impending contact, and because Sourdif's actions resulted in a forceful contact with Tichacek's head or neck area, Sourdif recklessly endangered Tichacek, and violated IIHF Official Playing Rule #48 - Illegal Check to the Head or Neck. The Disciplinary panel is of the opinion that the check was delivered late, meaning Sourdif initiated contact well after Tchacek released the puck from his possession and therefore had sufficient time to alter his trajectory beforehand.
The Disciplinary Panel determined that Sourdif shall be sanctioned with a one-game suspension. He will be eligible to return for Canada's third preliminary round game on 29 December against Germany.
Source: IIHF
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